Right in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square is a new addition for the holidays: Sparkleland on the Square. Located next to Talbot’s it’s a pop-up lounge where locals and visitors can “warm up and chill out.”

Open 11 am – 8 pm, Thursdays through Sundays, guests can sing along with carolers, learn to make Christmas wreaths with the pros at “Make, Take & See” programs, listen to live holiday music, and maybe even catch a glance of Liberty the Dog, Colonial Williamsburg’s mascot.

Photos with Santa

Now through Christmas Eve, families can have their pictures taken with Santa at Santa’s Corner, a custom-designed colonial setting. Santa and Helen’s Place Photography will be on hand 3–7 pm (Sundays start at 3:30pm) to capture the experience. Digital images and photo prints are ready for pickup onsite.

On December 17th, the Corner transforms into a family portrait studio. With extended families gathered in Williamsburg for the holidays, it’s the perfect opportunity for portraits. Well-behaved pets are welcome, too.

Storytelling by a costumed interpreter, kid’s coloring station, holiday movies and sports on wide-screenTVs, magicians and more round out the experiences. 5-person fife and drum performances occur from 6 – 7 pm outside on Merchants Square.

Most entertainment and events are free. Food and drink are available for purchase. “Make, Take, and See” workshops are ticket. Information can be found at https://merchantssquare.org/holiday.

And the fun goes on through New Year’s Eve

Originally planned to be open through Christmas Eve, Colonial Williamsburg has extended the excitement,adding “5 Days of Toasting to a Sparking New Year.” Sparkleland on the Square will now be open though Monday, December 31, 2018. New Year’s Eve events for the entire family kick off at noon.

Entertainment runs all day,
concluding with a free 10 pm to 12:30 am concert. Nationally award-winning
local band “In Layman Terms,” is the headliner. Snacks, treats, photos, and
more will be available for purchase.

Open 11 am – 8 pm, Thursdays through Sundays, guests can sing along with carolers, learn to make Christmas wreaths with the pros at “Make, Take & See” programs, listen to live holiday music, and maybe even catch a glance of Liberty the Dog, ColonialWilliamsburg’s mascot.

Photos with Santa

Now through Christmas Eve, families can have their pictures taken with Santa at Santa’s Corner, a custom-designed colonial setting. Santa and Helen’s Place Photography will be on hand 3 – 7 pm (Sundays start at 3:30pm) to capture the experience. Digital images and photo prints are ready for pickup onsite. On December 17th, the Corner transforms into a family portrait studio. With extended families gathered in Williamsburg for the holidays, it’s the perfect opportunity for portraits. Well-behaved pets are welcome, too.

Most entertainment and eventsare free. Food and drink are available for purchase. “Make, Take, and See”workshops are ticketed. Information can be found at https://merchantssquare.org/holiday.

And the fun extends through New Year’s Eve

Originally planned to be open through Christmas Eve, Colonial Williamsburg has extended the excitement, adding “5 Days of Toasting to a Sparking New Year.” Sparkleland on the Square will now be open though Monday, December 31, 2018. New Year’s Eve events for the entire family kick off at noon.

Entertainment runs all day, concluding with a free 10 pm to 12:30 am concert. Nationally award-winning local band “In Layman Terms,” is the headliner. Snacks, treats, photos, and more will be available for purchase.

2017 will be our 25th CPC year sponsoring the Williamsburg Children’s Portrait Contest.

And that means it will be the best year ever.

Every year since 1992, we’ve sponsored the Children’s Portrait Contest, open to children 12 and under. You come out to Helen’s Place for a free portrait sitting with the kids and bring only a check for $25 made out to the Williamsburg Regional Public Libraries.